China Aster Callistephus chinensis Milady Series
ABOUT
The Callistephus chinensis Milady Series, commonly known as the China aster, is a captivating ornamental plant celebrated for its lush, showy flowers that are a favorite in cut-flower arrangements and cottage gardens. This delightful series comes in a vivid range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, white, and sometimes even bicolored petals. The blooms have a dense, pompom-like appearance, thanks to the numerous petal layers that form a remarkable, almost spherical shape. These dense layers of petals surround a central disk which can be either yellow or a color matching the petals, giving the flower a harmonious and complete look. The foliage of the China aster is also quite attractive, with bright green, lance-shaped leaves that have a slightly serrated edge. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, which provide an elegant backdrop to the contrasting, vibrant colors of the blooms. The overall presentation of the China aster is one of classic beauty that fits beautifully in both formal and informal garden settings, often attracting beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees. The members of the Milady Series, in particular, are cherished by garden enthusiasts for their reliable and robust flowering, which continues throughout the growing season until frost, offering a long-lasting display of color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
China Aster, Annual Aster, Milady Aster
Common names
Callistephus chinensis Milady Series
ToxicityTo humans
The Callistephus chinensis Milady Series, commonly known as the China aster, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for consumption, as they may cause adverse reactions in some individuals such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
To pets
The China aster is not listed as toxic to pets. However, caution should still be exercised since individual animals may have different sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of any plant material and is showing symptoms of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Callistephus chinensis Milady Series, commonly known as the China Aster, offers a variety of vibrant colors that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Compact Growth: The series is bred for a compact growth habit, making it suitable for small spaces and container gardening.
- Long Blooming Period: China Asters have a long flowering period, often lasting from early summer through to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are known to attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- Cut Flower Use: With their sturdy stems and attractive blooms, they are excellent for use in fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants have a degree of drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Cold Resistance: The Milady Series is known to have a certain level of resistance to cooler temperatures, which can be beneficial in temperate climates.
- Variety of Uses: China Asters are versatile and can be used in borders, beds, and as a colorful ground cover.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The petals of the China aster (Callistephus chinensis Milady Series) can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a variety of colors depending on the mordant used.
- China aster is sometimes used in educational settings for botany studies due to its variety of colors and growth habits that can demonstrate hybridization and the impact of selective breeding.
- Its bright flowers make the China aster a good choice for art and photography projects, providing a vibrant and colorful subject for various compositions.
- The dried flowers of the China aster can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing to the visual appeal and overall scent blend.
- Floral artists use the blooms of China aster to create eco-friendly jewelry, such as pendants and earrings, by drying and preserving the flowers in resin.
- China asters can be planted in outdoor pet areas as they are non-toxic to cats and dogs, thus providing a safe and enriching environment for pets to explore.
- In the craft of candle making, petals of the China aster can be set into the wax to create visually stunning and decorative floral candles.
- During festivals or events, stems of the China aster can be woven into garlands or wreaths to add natural beauty to celebrations and ceremonies.
- The sturdy stems and vibrant flowers of China aster make them suitable for fashioning into natural table centrepieces for weddings and social gatherings.
- The China aster can be used as an educational tool in schools to teach children about the life cycle of plants from seed germination to flowering.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe China aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe China aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Known commonly as the China Aster, the Callistephus chinensis Milady Series takes time to bloom, reflecting the virtue of patience as it slowly reveals its vibrant colors.
- Elegance: China Asters are appreciated for their beautiful and refined flowers, often used in bouquets to add a touch of class and sophistication, symbolizing elegance.
- Remembrance: Asters, in general, are symbols of remembrance, often found in memorial gardens or given as gifts to remember a loved one or an important event.
- Variety: The Milady Series of China Aster comes in various colors, which symbolizes diversity and the many facets of life, reminding us to appreciate the different qualities in others and in our surroundings.
- Faith: The flower is sometimes associated with faith, as its star-like shape represents the starry sky, which throughout history has been a guide for travelers and symbol of hope.
WaterThe China aster, part of the Milady Series, should be consistently watered, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Aim to water these plants once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, allowing for more frequent watering in hotter, drier periods. The amount of water typically required is about 1 gallon per plant per week during active growth. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall and be wary of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It's best to water the plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water evaporation.
LightChina asters thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. The ideal spot for these plants is in an area that gets unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, although they can tolerate partial shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can hamper blossom development and lead to leggy plants.
TemperatureChina asters prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will suffer damage and likely won't survive freezing conditions. The ideal climate for optimum growth and flowering is within the mid-range, around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning China asters helps to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve air circulation within the plant. Deadheading spent flowers will stimulate new blooms and extend the flowering season. Prune these plants occasionally throughout the growing season by clipping off any dead or yellowing leaves and removing spent blossoms. The best time for a more significant pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe China Aster 'Milady Series' thrives best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant can be made by combining garden loam, peat, and sand or perlite in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingChina Asters 'Milady Series' are annuals and typically do not require repotting as they will not survive beyond their one-year life cycle. They are planted anew each year, so repotting is not applicable.
Humidity & MistingChina Asters 'Milady Series' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They do not require any special humidity requirements and can grow well in normal outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the China aster (Callistephus chinensis Milady Series) begins with seed germination in spring, occurring approximately 1-2 weeks after sowing when kept in warm, moist conditions. After germination, seedlings grow and develop into vegetative plants with characteristic dark green foliage, requiring adequate sunlight and water to establish a strong root system. A transition occurs from vegetative growth to reproductive growth as daylight hours lengthen, at which point flower buds develop. The plant reaches full maturity when it blooms in late summer or early fall, showcasing a variety of colorful flowers that attract pollinators. Seeds develop within the spent flowers towards the end of the flowering season, which can then be harvested once the blooms have faded and the plant begins to wilt. The China aster completes its life cycle with the dying back of the frost-sensitive annual plant during the colder autumn or early winter months, after which the seeds remain dormant until the next suitable growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the China aster (Callistephus chinensis Milady Series) is by seed. Sowing seeds can begin in early spring indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seed-starting trays filled with a well-drained, germination mix. Sow the seeds lightly on the surface, as they require light for germination, and gently press them into the medium. Maintain a consistent moisture level and keep the trays in a warm location with temperatures around 70°F (21°C). Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days. Once seedlings emerge and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later moved to their final location in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
